By Marilyn Ford
The Criterion Club held its annual Breakfast Birthday Celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. The enthusiastic audience braved the chilly winter morning to be an integrate part of more than 100 people who congregated in the Criterion Center’s Auditorium.
Ms. Regina McRae-Bradley, presiding officer extended greetings and announced the commencement of the event.  The opening song was “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by the audience.  We were led to the throne of grace by Mrs. Linda Manning Langley along with the enthusiastic Welcome and the Purpose of the Jubilant Occasion.
Young Miss Mallory Townsend, the daughter of Mrs. Melissa Morrison and Mr. Charles Townsend thrilled the audience with an original Praise Dance to the Spiritual Selection “I Know I’ve Been Changed”.  She moved with graceful precision during her memorable tribute.  She is a member of Open Door Community Church and a junior at Latta High School.
The anointed Word Church Gospel Group rendered a heartwarming selection “Thank You Lord” led by the incredibly gifted Mrs. Angela McLeod.  The group singers are Mrs. Shelawn Graves-Curry, Mrs. Vanetta Graves, and Mr. Albert McCallum.  The Musicians are Mr. John Graves, Master Brock Mack, Mr. Rotedric Graves and Mr. Ray Thomas.  The Manager is Elder John Martin Graves.   Mrs. Mary Alice Townsend, conducted the solemn Memoriam.
The speaker of the hour Elder Kevin Thomas a resident of Dillon, South Carolina was introduced by his sister Ms. Jackie Thomas.  He is the founder and owner of House of Thomas Funeral Home in Dillon, South Carolina for the past 26 years.  He attended Dillon High School, the University of South Carolina and Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, Georgia.  He is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for North and South Carolina, and a member of Open Door Community Church.  He is the past chairman of the Dillon County Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Dillon Rotary Club, Past Chairman of McLeod Medical-Dillon Hospital Advisory Board, Past Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated – Florence Alumni Chapter, a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Chaplain for the South Carolina Mortician Association and a member of the Sixth District Morticians.  He serves as President of the Dillon Pee Dee Coalition against Domestic Violence.  He is the son of Tyrone and Georgie Thomas and the proud father of Justin Thomas.  The aura of sacredness continued to blanket the auditorium as the Word Church Gospel Group sang a foot tapping, hand clapping Spiritual “Give It Up” led by the vivacious multi-talented Mrs. Shelawn Graves-Curry.  Elder Thomas chose the Text; Am I My Brother’s Keeper?  Genesis: 4 and 9.  Temptations and Trials face each of us daily.  We tend to pass the blame we use the “Me” factor often.  We must read the word, become more spiritual, study our lives know yourself because people do not know you!  Sometimes God will let us do “Me”.  We must be watchmen on the wall. Our character is it Spiritual or Worldly?  Obedience is better than sacrifice!  On conclusion Elder Thomas received a rousing ovation from the audience.    We pray God’s continued blessings on the messenger, his love ones and the message.
Mrs. Dorothy Carmichael recapped the message with this summation: What are we doing?  Are we looking at the wall or a mirror as we climb and how can we help our neighbor?  She presented Elder Thomas with the Criterion Service Award.  Announcements were noted on the program.  She recognized the new President of the NAACP Ms. Angel Bethea, the Clergy, dignitaries, and gave the closing remarks.  Elder Thomas blessed the food and gave the Benediction.
A sumptuous Breakfast Buffet was enjoyed.  
A joyful thank you to the Program Committee headed by Co-chairpersons, Mrs. Jackie Yates Leach and Ms. Jackie Thomas. They did an awesome job in planning the program and decorating the auditorium.  The décor showcased the African Colors of Red, Yellow, Green and Black.  We dined sufficiently, engaged in fellowship and left with a rejuvenated spirit.
Our gratitude is expressed to everyone who has supported this program over the years with your prayers, talents, time and service.   Acting President Dr. Miranda E. Manning and the Criterion Sisters are looking forward to the challenges for this New Year.  We pledge to continue in service, provide wholesome educational recreation and entertainment.  We strive to educate, guide and direct our youth in and around the county.  We stand by our motto: “Let Every Woman Do Her Duty.”